Educational Committee
Mr Fawzi Nasr (Directeur)
Mr Kamel Abboud
Mr Élie Abi Nassif
Mr Marc Abi Rached
Mr Akl Akl
Mrs Catherine Ariss
Mr Fadi Chiniara
Mrs Joyce Hatem
Dr Gaby Issa El-Khoury
Mr Jihad Kiamé
Mr Rodolphe Mattar
Mr Claude Samaha
Mr Yanni Zachariou (Alba – Balamand)
Mission Statement
This program gives students a solid base in architectural studies, enabling them to pursue a second cycle, at the end of which they will become architects and be able to practice. This program also allows students to choose further studies once their bachelor’s degree is attained. A number of master’s degrees in the fields of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and design are available for them at Alba. Hence, the main objective of the School of Architecture is to offer flexibility, mobility, and diversity that will allow the students to adapt their training to their personal and professional choices.
During the four years, the architecture studios occupy a major role in students’ training. As these studios increase in difficulty and complexity, they will give the student, at the end of the program, the ability to manage design at different levels. The studios are also the place where the three main components of teaching are synthesized: development of the intellect through the social and human sciences which appear in the comprehension and the ability to analyze, creativity that is enhanced by training in formal and artistic expression and the know-how brought about by mastering the systems and techniques related to building and to the environment.
In tune with the mission of Alba, the School of Architecture strives to instill a sense of ecological and social responsibility in its students. Students must learn to define and meet the needs of society. The School of Architecture takes an active part in transforming these needs into opportunities of innovation and excellence for the benefit of all.
Objectives
1. Make sure the student has a good command of the fundamentals.
2. Familiarize the student with methods of reflection, analytical approach and critical thinking regarding important historic and contemporary trends.
3. Stimulate creativity, innovation, and artistic sensibility.
4. Have the student master all multidisciplinary systems, techniques, and technologies related to buildings, be they traditional or new.
5. Favor communication and activities among students and faculty within Alba and with other universities, whether national or international.
6. Favor the preservation of the environment and heritage, the urban and landscape integration, the awareness regarding society and its needs, and the well being of each of its individuals and of the community as a whole.
7. Allow flexibility and multiplicity of prospects in the different academic and career paths
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this program the student will:
1. Undertake meaningful research using the relevant analysis method, in accordance with the studied subject, architectural or urban, classical or contemporary.
2. Apply relevant theories of architecture and urban planning to contemporary problems and debates.
3. Design and express, for a given site, a complete architectural project based on specific requirements. The design will be the result of pertinent analysis.
4. Identify the construction specifications needed to design an architectural project in terms of choice of the structural system and the materials taking into account the environmental aspects.
5. Understand and interpret the national and international values of urban and rural architecture and understand all the elements that lead to their development in terms of climatic conditions, technical and technological considerations, or socio-economic and cultural factors.
6. Adopt the principles of architecture, urban planning, and sustainable architecture that preserve natural resources and architectural heritage.
7. Be a team member and work with other architects or in multidisciplinary teams, namely in the preliminary research phase, data collection, requirements definition, and main criteria applicable to the project.
8. Be aware of the responsibility of the architect with regard to the social, political and economic issues brought about by the profession.
9. Choose one of the Master’s programs available after meeting the specific admission criteria.
Curriculum
Courses distribution
• Mandatory courses: 94% (226 ECTS credits)
• Elective courses : 6% (14 ECTS credits)
Teaching Method
The pedagogical aim of the School of Architecture is to reach Alba’s ambition in forming responsible citizens and professionals, having a solid knowledge of their profession and a complete commitment to solving the social and cultural problems of the country.
The teachings rely on two fundamental axes:
- The synergy between theory and practice. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum and competency-based education, the School of Architecture favors the interaction between architectural culture and the practical aspects of the profession. Ultimately, it is the knowledge, the know-how and the know-how-to-be or interpersonal skills that are targeted in the training.
- Formative assessment along the learning process of the student: using active and varied methods this type of assessment will help the student build up the knowledge needed for mastering the different means of expression of an architectural project and its integration in a given context.
Built around discussions and debate, the teaching process favors analysis and a synthetic approach to information and creation.
Apprenticeship and vocational training
The theoretical and practical curriculum designed by the School will be completed by summer internships, participation in which is strongly advised. They may start at the end of the second year. Advisors will help students choose agencies and devise with them the best course for their apprenticeship.
Academic Rules and Regulations
(See also Alba's Rules and Regulations)
Cumulative averages
There are two cumulative averages: a Major cumulative average and a General cumulative average.
These averages are established with the grades obtained, and will determine the ranking of the student at the end of his studies.
All courses have the same coefficient of 1.
Second-year Bachelor's degree pass requirements
To be eligible for admission in second-year Bachelor's degree in Architecture, an average of 11/20 in workshops and total of courses is required. If the pass grade is not reached, the student will have to drop the class.
Requirements for Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture
Once the 240 ECTS credits relative to this program are confirmed, the cumulative averages are computed.
The student will receive his Bachelor's degree in Architecture if the general cumulative average and the general major average of the four years is 11/20 (or above).
To be admitted in the Master’s program, both cumulative averages over the four years must be 12,5/20 (or above).
A student may repeat a maximum of four passed courses in order to increase his/her averages.